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Rupak Tala (rupak tal) is a popular tala in Hindustani music that is common in Bhajans and Geets. It has seven matras (beats) in three vibhags (divisions). Unlike the popular Tintal, the vibhags of Rupak Tala are not of equal length. Also, both the khali and taali of Rupak Tala fall on the first matra.

Aavartan

The aavaratan (cycle) of Rupak Tala has three vibhags. The first vibhag has three matras and both the second and third vibhags have two matras. Sam is on the first matra of the first vibhag. The aavaratan of Rupak Tala may be written as follows:

Vibhag One	1	2	3
Vibhag Two	4	5
Vibhag Three	6	7

It is important to note that the empty 'cells' in the above table at the end of vibhags two and three are not rests. Each number is a whole matra of equal length.

Clap & Wave

Using the 'Clap & Wave' system can be problematic for Rupak Tala. Traditionally one claps on sam, or taali, and waves on khali. The first matra of Rupak Tala, however, is both taali and khali. If the clap were to be present on sam then Rupak Tala may be confused for a similar tala of seven matras, Tivra Tala, that has identical vibhags but difers in that the first matra is taali.

Common Examples

There a numerous examples of Rupak Tala that differ based upon the instrument used. The following examples apply for the tabla.

Theka

The most common theka for Rupak tala contains the bols 'Tin', 'Na', and 'Dhin' (the transliteration of these bols may differ quite a lot among individulas). This theka is composed in the folowing manner:

Tin Tin Na | Dhin Na | Dhin Na

Prakar

Prakars are fairly open to the individual performer's flair. That being said, however, the following is an example of three common Rupak Tala prakars.

Tin Tin Na | Dhin NaNa | Dhin NaNa

Tin Tin Nana | Dhirkt NaNa | Dhirkt NaNa

Tin Tin Nana | Dhirkt tktk | Dhirkt tktk

Tihai

A tihai for Rupak Tala must begin on either the third or the sixth matra to end on sam. The following is an example of a simple tihai for Rupak Tala that begins on matra three.

X X Tr | kt Tr | kt Tr
Da X X | X X | X X

Like the prakar, tihais are open to the flair of the performing artist. The following is an example of a more complex tihai in Rupak Tala that begins on matra six.

X X X | X X | Tira Kt
Ta Tira| Kt Ta | Tira Kt
Da X X | X X | X X

Web Links

• Courtney, D 2001, Learning the Tabla, Mel Bay Publications - Google Books Link. (p. 28 on Rupak Tala)
• KKSongs Tabla Guide. (Chapter 11 on Rupak tala)
• Rupak Tala on YouTube.
• The Tabla Site. (Rupak Tala Section)

References

• 'Chapter 21: Theka, Prakar, and Laggi', in KKSongs Tabla Guide, <http://kksongs.org/tabla/chapter21.html>, viewed May 10 2008.
• Lipiczky, T 1985, 'Tihai Forumlas and the Fusion of "Composition" and "Improvisation" in North Indian Music', in The Music Quaterly, Vol. 71, No. 2, pp. 157-171.
• Ram Avatar 'Vir' 2002, Learn to Play on tabla - 2 (Advance Course), Pankaj Publications, New Delhi.